Self injecting?

[MrsSMC]

I am due to start self injections in the next few weeks and would like some advice on what to expect? Does it hurt, is it best for some else to administer and how long does it take to see a benefit?

[Hidden]

Hi,

I understand your nerves. Is it Methotrexate? I started self-injecting it a couple of months ago after a lifetime of terror at the mere thought of a needle. I used to near pass out during blood tests! However, I found this quite easy to do. It doesn't hurt (and I have a low pain threshold lol), and only takes a few moments. I found the anxiety of the thought of it was the worst.

The first time I had it, my Rheumy nurse did it for me, walked me through the process. The 2nd time, I did it under the nurses guidance and by the 3rd time, I was ready to do it on my own.

It sounds scary, but it isn't as bad as it sounds x

[MrsSMC]

Thank you it's for alimbuand (please excuse spelling). Think the fear/anxiety is my concern too.

[nellysgran]

Hi I have been injecting for a few months now and like you i was very nervous but once my rheumy nurse had shown me i was able to do it ok, No it doesnt hurt and if you pinch where you are going to inject either leg or tummy its much better and only takes a couple of mins. You will be doing it before you know it, there are a lot of us on here that inject.

Good luck, (You wont need it !) Wendy x

[LuckysJoy]

Hi. If your talking about Methotrexate. It's actually a breeze

I too was a bit nervous as well. All I can say is inject below the belly button and when you pinch the fatty part don't squeeze to tight as I found that hurts more just pinch lightly and a good handful and inject slowly. I wouldn't have someone se do it as they can't feel of its hurting or not. Take various times to work depending on how long u have been taking MTX and what strength you are on. I think your Rheumy nurse or doc could best answer for you as each case is each to own bodies. No Stress Lisa

[helixhelix]

Adalimumab is also known as Humira, and I think there are quite a few people on here who've used that. I self inject MTX, and once I got over the horror of the idea of sticking a needle in myself I found the reality was absolutely fine. Take it slowly, try to relax and give yourself loads of treats after you've done it the first time. I was really in a state of hysteria before I started, as I can't emphasise enough my fear of needles, but it was fine. Surprised me more than anything! polly

[Sailaway]

With Humira (adalimumab) you have a choice of ways to inject, one is a syringe the other is a pen-style device which you put in place and press a button on the top and the device delivers the injection.

I opted for the syringe (because I'd been used to self-injecting Cimzia) and found it easy to use.

I also joined a facebook group for Humira where most of the people were using the pen device and the majority of them said it was extremely painful and called it 'hell-mira'! However, they didn't like the idea of a syringe and put up with the pain because they couldn't see the needle.

You will be trained properly by a nurse, who comes to your house, on how to use the device you choose and they will give you tips on technique to keep the risk of pain down.

I'm glad I used the syringe, it was never painful (but I hear it can sting for some people). I think that's partly because you're in control of how softly the needle goes in and the speed the drug is injected. With the pen it's firmer and more like a shot, but it's over quickly and you don't see the needle.

I hope that helps; more than that, I really hope the drug works well for you x

[jeanabelle]

Hello Mrs, I have used Humira too. I used the pen so it was quick and invisible. But it did sting. At the time I started I was in such a bad way that I just didn't care how much it hurt it couldn't be worse that what I was feeling at the time. I smiled through it was was soooooo glad to be getting it. My rheumy doc told me that it is the preservative in the pen that makes it sting not the drug itself. It is all over in a second with the pen.

About three days after my first injection I woke up and couldn't understand what was wrong....I just felt different......took me ages to realise that my pain was so little that it could be ignored. It really took me a few hours to figure out what was going on.......my terrible pain was gone, I was virtually pain free. Bare in mind by the time I got my first injection i was bent over so that I was looking down at my feet. I had to get a bottle to pee into at night as I never made it to the toilet. I had to be washed, showered, I had to get my hair brushed for me. Putting on a bra was excruciating so I didn't ware one for over nine months. My jaw shifted so much all the filling in my bottom teeth fell out, I didn't walk, I shuffled, I looked like I should be in a coffin I was that bad

Two weeks after my first injection I got all dressed up, had my hair done and went over to Ward 23 (the rheumy ward) and my nurse walked past me......she hadn't a clue who I was!! I was standing up straight, my hands had opened up and I could life my arms above my head....I was back!!!!!

Unfortunately for me though it wasn't to last. Just after I took my second injection I had a reaction. I felt very clostrafobic while sitting in a neighbours kitchen, I had to get out of it..... I made my way up the street got into my bungalow, went straight to the toilet and then there was a series of projectile vomiting. I've never experienced anything like it before. I never at any time felt sick or nauseous but I instinctively knew to head for the toilet.

So that was the end od Humira for me, unfortunately. It is a fabulous drug if you can take.

I am off my ideological s now and will be waiting to start Abatacept in June once the Tocilizamub is out of my system. All i can do is trust my team ( who have been magnificant)and keep trying until I find the right one for me...... There is one for me I just haven't had it yet.......it's the only way to look at it, if I didn't I would slide into that black hole that this disease can take us to.

Let us know how you get on and my very best wishes. XX